Jamal Zweit
Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
Title: Multi-modality image-guided nano-theranostics
Biography
Biography: Jamal Zweit
Abstract
The merging of molecular imaging and nanomedicine is emerging as a powerful platform to comprehensively interrogate the biology of disease and working of therapies in the era of precision medicine and health. The marriage of the two disciplines stems from the natural compatibility of the biochemicals used as molecular imaging probes and nanoparticles. Nanoparticle technology is advancing at a rapid pace and is finding a “niche” in biomedical applications, including drug delivery, nano-therapeutics, multi-modality imaging and molecular diagnostics. The combination therefore of molecular imaging and nanomedicine is poised to offer a true theranostic approach in precision health. In this talk, we will highlight recent advances in multi-modality image-guided nano-theranostics, from various laboratories including ours. We will describe an “all in one” approach where therapeutic entities are imbedded within nanoparticles, the core/shell of which also serves as molecular imaging agents. The unique intrinsic approach to nano-theranostics will be exemplified by multi-modal molecular imaging including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, MRI and photoacoustic imaging. The “all in one” concept can also accommodate multiple therapeutic strategies including photo-thermal-therapy, targeted radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs. We envision that this novel theranostic approach has promising potential for high sensitivity and quantitative imaging using clinically applicable modalities.